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Workforce Development Inc. seeks continued funding for Steele County office to support manufacturing and healthcare hiring
Summary
Workforce Development Inc. (WDI) told the committee its Steele County office served hundreds of jobseekers and employers, reported wage gains for participants and requested continuing appropriations to sustain career-planning and wraparound services.
Sen. Jeremy Jasinski presented Senate File 2461 requesting $275,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $275,000 in fiscal year 2027 from the Workforce Development Fund to continue services in Steele County delivered by Workforce Development Inc. (WDI).
Ginny Rittman, WDI executive director, told the committee WDI reopened the Steele County office in 2021 and in roughly 18 months served about 300 adult career seekers, 300 youth customers and worked with over 400 employers. WDI reported average wage gains of $1.87 per hour for adults and $7.63 for youth programming, and a cost per participant of $1,328.
Brad Meyer, president and CEO of the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce, described partnerships including Steelco Works—a local initiative that connects high school students to employers for job shadows and internships. A program participant, Rayshaun Miles, told the committee WDI helped him enroll in college for nursing and earn a 4.0 GPA after being laid off.
Senators praised the local partnerships and the services' wraparound approach. Senate File 2461 was laid over for possible inclusion.
